Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (T & A)

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (T & A)

Children undergo T & A for obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disordered breathing, or recurrent tonsillitis. Especially with a history of obstructive sleep patterns, often the tonsils are very large and patients tend to severely obstruct on induction. These patients, especially those <3yo, are also at risk for airway obstruction in the PACU; many of these children are very sensitive to narcotics.

This information is meant to serve as an educational resource. Clinicians should use their own professional judgment in the care of any individual patient as the guidance contained in this document may not be appropriate for all patients or all situations.